The free forum will also screen the “SLOtheStigma” and “Shaken Tree” documentaries

Feb. 19, 2010 --

In September 2000, Kevin Hines arrived at the Golden Gate Bridge ready to die. He walked to the railing, climbed over it and jumped. He is one of only 29 people to every survive that jump, and now actively spreads the message of suicide prevention and living mentally well.

Hines will be the keynote speaker for "Journey of Hope," an educational mental wellness forum presented by the Peer Advisory & Advocacy Team and Family Services of Transitions-Mental Health Association (TMHA) next week.

The forum will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Friday, February 26, at the chambers of the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors. The event is free and offers free continuing education units (CEUs) through San Luis Obispo County Behavioral Health Services.

In addition to the keynote address, attendees will view “The Shaken Tree: Families Living with Mental Illness,” an award-winning documentary featuring stories from local families about life with someone who has a mental illness. Presented to more than 5,000 people throughout California, “The Shaken Tree” challenges popular culture’s archetype of mental illness. For more information about the documentary, visit www.t-mha.org.

“SLOtheStigma” will also be screened at the forum, telling the stories of four local residents with depression, bi-polar disorder or schizophrenia. The film is one component of a broad effort to decrease stigma and raise public awareness of mental illnesses and treatment.

Other outreach efforts will include guerilla and event marketing, print media, and TV and radio ads. All efforts direct viewers and attendees to SLOtheStigma.org and the new SLO Hotline: 800-549-4499.

The forum will also include a local resources and mental health services fair. Attendees seeking services for themselves or someone else are welcome to visit with representatives from over 30 local agencies and county departments.

This event is funded by the Mental Health Services Act through San Luis Obispo County Behavioral Health Services. For more information about this event, visit www.t-mha.org.

Transitions-Mental Health Association (TMHA) is a non-profit organization that helps children and adults live, work and grow in our community. TMHA operates 27 programs at over 35 locations that reach over 2,000 people and 1,500 families in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties.